Britain's government says a new leader of the Church of England has been selected — former businessman and current Bishop of Durham Justin Welby.

Prime Minister David Cameron's office made the announcement Friday, after a long wait for the selection of a successor to the outgoing Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams.

Welby is against gay marriage but supports ordination of female bishops — two issues that have divided the Anglican church.

He spent years in the oil business before joining the ministry and rapidly ascending through its ranks. He has spent only a year as a bishop.